- July 11, 2007
Delaware’s Congressional Delegation Announces More Than $5 million in Federal Funds for Housing Opportunities Throughout the State
WASHINGTON, DC — Delaware’s Congressional Delegation, Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Tom Carper (D-DE) and Congressman Mike Castle (R-DE) today announced more than $5.3 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promote homeownership opportunities for low-income and minority households; improve the quality of local shelters; and offer services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
The funds come through several HUD programs and break down as follows:
- $3 million for a new initiative under the HOME Investment Partnership Program to provide loan and grants to developers and non-profit agencies to expand the supply of affordable housing for low-income persons;
- $2,022,583 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to provide decent and affordable housing through rehabilitation or demolition, and housing-related public works such as sidewalk and street repair, and water and sewer system upgrades;
- $167,000 through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program to provide rental and mortgage assistance and utility help for persons diagnosed HIV and AIDS;
- $98,107 under the Emergency Shelter Grants program to improve services and expand or renovate homeless shelters in Kent and Sussex Counties; and
- $29,740 through the American Dream Downpayment Initiative to help low-income, first-time homebuyers with mortgage downpayments.
“It’s in our society’s best interest to ensure that all Americans have access to safe and affordable housing,” said Senator Biden. “This federal funding will help fulfill that commitment and make the dream of home ownership a reality for hard-working Delawareans.”
"I am a long-time advocate of increasing housing opportunities across our state," said Sen. Carper. "These new federal housing dollars will help increase homeownership in Delaware. Everyone needs a roof over their heads, and it is my hope this money will help provide that roof."
"Access to safe and affordable housing is a growing challenge for many people in our region,” said Rep. Castle. “These programs are targeted to protect some of the neediest among us while also providing a helping hand to others on the verge of home-ownsership."
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